The Knockout Queen

Don't let the cover fool you, this book was so much deeper than I was expecting. I can't remember reading something so simultaneously tragic and charming.

Almost every character is complex enough to toe the line between good and bad and show how often that isn't black and white. This book also managed to plant images in my head that will stick with me forever (I'm looking at you butter pop tart sandwich, and may never look at peanut butter and jelly the same way).

Overall, this is a very thoughtful novel told from an interesting perspective that goes in unexpected directions. Glad I read it.

I love the unconventional duo of Bunny and Michael, though it's difficult for me to believe that the powerful and wealthy Bunny would have so quickly adopted Michael. In some ways, these characters and their actions aren't always believable, yet they are at other times. Despite issues of plausibility, they bring this story to life.

Rufi Thorpe tackles so many subjects in such a small space: abuse, addiction, sexuality, violence, class, ethics... Even though the book asks all the right questions, there doesn't seem to be a lot of room for emotion. Most telling to me was the lack of empathy for Bunny's victim. These characters gloss over any substantial remorse for this girl while the author shows constant empathy for Bunny and Michael. Despite their status as outsiders, Bunny and Michael are incredibly selfish, and I never got the impression that this was what the reader was supposed to learn from their characters. A broader understanding of compassion would've given this novel a deeper well of affect to draw from.